Democrat Resigns to Give Republicans Control of Virginia Senate

On June 9 Virginia state senator Phillip Pucket (D-Russel) resigned his seat, giving Republicans control of legislative body and giving him the opportunity for a position on the state tobacco commission and his daughter the chance for a judgeship.

Slate reports this effectively marks the end of Governor Terry McAuliffe’s (D) plan to expand Medicaid under Obamacare.

The senate was split between 20 Democrats and 20 Republicans prior to June 9.

According to The Washington Post, Democrats are crying foul–saying “Republicans were trying to buy the senate with job offers in order to thwart” what McAuliffe said would be an expansion of “healthcare coverage to 400,000 low income Virginians.”

Delegate Scott A. Surovell (D-Fairfax) said he was astounded that the Republicans “will do anything and everything to prevent low-income Virginians from getting health care.” He referred to Republicans as “bullies” and said he hopes McAuliffe will continue standing up to them.